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Washington, D.C., circa 1924. "Potomac Park Apartments, 21st and C Streets N.W." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size.
I believe these buildings are still there on F street between 20th and 21st.
[As noted in the caption, the buildings are on C Street, at the site currently occupied by the State Department. The Mayfair and Potomac Park apartment buildings (labeled "C" and "D" in the 1939 newspaper photo below) were torn down decades ago after serving as annexes for the Defense Department and Social Security Board. - Dave]
Judging from topography, I am guessing that this photo was taken from across C Street with 21st the cross street to the right. If so, these buildings where the State Department is now. Today, Potomac Park Apartments are on 21st Street at F, primarily housing for George Washington University students.
Seeing photos of D.C. like this makes me want to jump in my car and go grab a parking space, something virtually impossible to find now. Wonder if we'll ever see anything like this again.
I would love to see photos of the insides of these apartments, all rooms. I'm betting they were adorable.
The building on the right seems very modern with the huge skylight in the foyer. I'll bet that felt very light and airy compared to most entryways at the time. I like to picture it filled with plants.
Built 1923/1924, these units first served as housing but were quickly cannibalized by the federal government for office space of agencies such as housing and social service departments. Not sure when it was razed.
Washington Post, Apr 13, 1924: advertisement
on the edge of the
playgrounds of Washington
a new 8-story building of the most modern type
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